„This was the first real adventure of my life”

When did you decide to study abroad?

I decided in the middle of my Master’s programme that I want to pursue my studies in another country. My dad suggested me the Caribbean islands and at first I thought: studying by the ocean sounds great! But a friend of mine who studies medicine in Hungary told me about life here and I chose Pécs instead. Two weeks later I applied, had already taken the entrance exam, my application was accepted and I was in Hungary!

To what extent is a degree from Hungary accepted in your country?

A lot of people ask this question from me and I must say, you should check the Medical Board of California and you will see that the Medical School of the UP is recognized in the website. I guess that means something.

How big was the cultural shock when you first came here?

It was a slap in your face! Hungary is very different from my home. It was great to study and live here, Pécs was very sweet, it was my home for 6 years and I got used to it. But everyone knows everyone, I always met the same people for 6 years when I went out or went to the shop. Earlier I drove a lot and now I walked everywhere! You can walk to the majority of the places within 20 minutes or less or maybe you can have a bike. Actually, I will miss walking, I was in better shape here. Instead of fast food I learned how to cook and I cooked my own food at home. I am gonna try not to change this.

What did you cook at home?

Whatever looked good at the store, I never planned ahead. It also depended on my boyfriend, I cooked what he just wanted to eat. Asian dishes, pasta... You have the same ingredients and you have to be creative.

How do you see Hungarian people?

As far as I can see, Hungarian people are very helpful, friendly, hardworking, and honest.

No negative experience?

I guess you can’t generalize people. Of course, in all groups of people you meet people with a lot of positive and some people with negative features. However, I personally didn’t have a lot of bad experiences. Being in Hungary was full of good experiences.

Could Hungarians understand English?

It depended on who I was talking to and on the age of people. The younger generation can speak English, the elder ones speak only Hungarian. I found some people who understood English, but they were too shy to speak. I tried to talk with them and after 6 years I know people who were shy at first but they are not shy anymore and do try. Even though it’s not perfect English but it is totally comprehensible.

How difficult did you find it to adjust?

It was difficult at first. I remember crying on the airplane because it was the first time I left home for a long while; I enrolled for 6 years and it was a different country... I was away from my family and friends, and I knew only one person in the whole country. But finally I adapted and now when people ask me where is home for me I say I live in Pécs! After all, it was like home.

Did you meet stereotypes about American people?

I certainly heard lots of stereotypes: you are not as hardworking, you are fake and lazy. People told me I was up to the stereotypes in one way or another, but not as much as they expected. I think I could change some people’s minds.

From whom did you hear these preconceptions?

Both from Hungarian people and other foreign students. I think the media are big opinion-shapers: lots of people hear something on TV and they think it is true even if it is only a show. The first thing I hear from people when I tell them where I live: „Oh, it might be like in the OC!”. Well, it’s not like that. I mean, for some people it is, but the majority of us don’t live like that. So I think media can be dangerous in this aspect. I also heard: „Be careful, you go to Eastern Europe, it’s gonna be so dangerous!” But I’ve never felt unsafe here. So it is completely wrong to care for such stereotypes.

Where did you live in Pécs?

I lived in an apartment in the city centre. I had a good time and I was happy to live on my own for the first time.

Which places have you visited in Hungary?

I visited Budapest and it was great. It is so fast, I fell in love with the city, the people, the food. Then the Lake Balaton, Siófok... It was amazing, I loved it! That lake is so big, I think it is similar to the ocean but there are no waves.

In which cultural events did you take part?

My social life was not so great because I studied a lot but I always went to the Pécs City Carnival and the City Race. I also took part in all the school events like the Freshman Ball and the International Evening.

How did you stay in touch with your family and friends?

I have never used Skype before, but in Hungary I created an account and paid for calls to the USA so I could talk to my parents. With the help of Facebook I could look back to home, it worked like a window. My mum came to Pécs three times, my dad came just for the graduation ceremony. It was great to have both of my parents here for my graduation. They found the city really pretty and that there is a lot of culture here.

What kind of plus did you get here professionally and personally?

I am a totally different person from what I was 6 years ago, I grew up. Living in Pécs made me much stronger, more independent. Earlier I think I was a little bit spoiled, I got everything I wanted. Then I left home and saw how the world goes round and when I go home and I will be able to appreciate everything I have. I am really grateful because I know how lucky I am. Living here made me a better person in each aspect of my life. I study harder, I work harder, not to mention that I am a doctor now! It feels good to accomplish something. I totally liked it, I would not change anything: if I had to go back I would choose to study here again. I like the person I became: I learned to be on my own and besides studying for a medical degree I learned a lot about myself: my strengths, weaknesses, what I like, what I don’t. I had to study very hard and my social life was absolutely not as active as it used to be. But I found love here: I met David 5 years ago and in a month he will move to California with me.

The UP Medical School has very good alumni relations. Will you stay in touch with your classmates or any of those people who you got to know here?

For sure. I’ll take advantage of Facebook and I will definitely keep in touch with people I met here. They are awesome! I don’t think we will talk every day but I would like to stay in touch with all of them in the future.

If you had a chance to come back in the future, would you return?

Yes, definitely. I’m not gonna come back soon, because there are still so many places to visit on my bucket list, but Pécs has been such an important part of my life and I have friends here, so I will surely come back.

What pieces of advice would you give to those who want to study abroad?

Don’t lose sight of any of your goals. Work hard and remember why you came abroad. On the other hand, make sure that you have your own life. I wish had went out a little more often because I spent a lot of time with studying. You always have an upcoming test and there is always something you have to do, but I can say: beside studying, try to be yourself.

Vivien Németh
Photo: Szabolcs Csortos